Families who used a funeral directors where 35 bodies have been recovered by police over “concern for care of the deceased” are waiting to hear if ashes returned to them were those of their loved ones.
Police reported that the remains, as well as a potential amount of human ashes, were taken from Legacy Independent Funeral Directors on Hessle Road in Hull and transported to a mortuary in the same city.
On Tuesday, Humberside police were still searching the property, including a hearse and funeral car parked outside the funeral home, where cards and flowers had been left by members of the public.
The police reported that a 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested for possible charges of preventing a proper and respectful burial, making false representations, and misusing their position. They have been released on bail.
Chief Deputy Constable Thom Mcloughlin stated at a press briefing on Tuesday that a total of 35 individuals who had passed away were recovered and have been respectfully taken to the Hull mortuary. The process of identifying the deceased is currently underway.
“We have also retrieved an amount of possible human remains. We are currently delicately retrieving all of the remains and transporting them to the mortuary.”
The police’s helpline has received over 1,000 calls from individuals expressing concerns about their family members.
A man who recently lost both of his parents in late 2022 and early 2023 utilized the funeral services offered by the funeral home. He has notified the police and is waiting for their confirmation on whether his family is affected.
The person expressed being completely stunned and unsure. If we were given a definite explanation, perhaps stating that it doesn’t extend back that long, it would calm us down more.
There is a tree in the memorial park that may not even belong to my parents. It could possibly be two unknown individuals. I am hopeful that it is my parents, but no one is providing any confirmation. There is no information available and the lack of clarity is causing great shock within the community of Hull. Many individuals are deeply impacted by this situation.
He stated, “We just have to wait now. The police mentioned two weeks. Hopefully, we won’t receive any news.”
Numerous law enforcement officers, including forensics personnel in specialized white suits and members of the maritime protection unit, have been spotted at the location.
Police have secured three locations owned by Legacy Independent Funeral Directors after being alerted last Wednesday of issues regarding the handling and maintenance of the deceased.
On Monday evening, a company-owned premise in Anlaby was vandalized. According to a witness, the hanging baskets outside were torn down and the property was left in a state of disarray.
Source: theguardian.com
